Unlonely

The Assimilation

So, even if it was embarrassing, he stepped in and picked the card from the other boy's mouth.

The moments that followed still bring a smile to his face -- the awkward dance, laughing, that drive to her dormitory and their kiss.

He thanked the heavens that she seemed to enjoy the kiss as much as he did. He dreamt about it for the longest time.

And kicked himself for not contacting her after.

Now, she was here. Beautiful as ever. Older, her figure more womanly, her eyes no longer holding that innocent look she always seemed to have... yet as beautiful as he remembered.

What would the next 299 days hold for them?

He sighed. For now, he needed to study the file Man Bok left for them.

*

It was lunchtime when he emerged from his side of the property. He found Yoon Seri at the living room near the dining room where they shared their meals surrounded by boxes upon boxes of shoes. "What are those?"

"Shoes," she replied in a tone that told him the answer should be obvious.

"Are you selling them?"

"No! They're mine. I had them sent here since I'll be here for awhile."

Jeong Hyeok made a face. "Do plan to wear a different pair for each day that you are here?"

"Nooooo," Seri replied making the same face. "But I thought that a hundred pairs would do and rotate them for three rounds."

"One hundred?!" Jeong Hyeok repeated, exasperatedly. "I only have five. Maybe you could just loan me some since you have an unbelievable number here."

Not missing a beat, Seri replied, "Sure. Just let me know which pair you prefer."

Jeong Hyeok rolled his eyes and left her to head to the dining table. When she did not appear after a few minutes, he called her mobile. "Are you not hungry yet?"

"Oh! Imagine that. You DO have my number," Seri mused.

Flustered, Jeong Hyeok quickly made an excuse. "I needed it for this period. Now, lunch?"

Seri appeared and took her seat. "Why are you in a rush anyway?"

"I have a game after lunch."

"I see. Those video games that are all the rage with young men?" she asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"It is part of my livelihood, yes. Don't judge what you don't understand," he warned. In reality, he faced these kind of comments from a lot of his peers. But, he was not a mere player, he was also involved in creating and programming these games so it was important for him to know what was in demand and what wasn't.

It was not the time to explain that to Seri though so he just shut down the topic.

Lunch was a quiet affair, neither having anything to bring up to the other. Once the food was gone and the table cleared, they greeted each other and retreated to their separate areas.

At dinner, Jeong Hyeok found only one place setting at the table. "Where is Ms. Yoon?" he asked the woman who took charge of their meals.

"She left this afternoon for an event, Sir. I understand that she will not return until later tonight."

Upon finding out that he was alone, except for Man Bok's staff, Jeong Hyeok decided to take out his camera and explore the property more. He took shots of the city, which was a beautiful view at night from where the house sat. The moon was also beautiful that night and he tried to capture it but he didn't have the correct lens.

After a few tries, he finally gave up and went in just as Seri arrived. "Oh, you're home."

"Could you look any more disappointed?" she retorted.

"They told me you had an event."

Seri nodded. "I was invited to a fashion show. Then, I decided to check on the clinic I'm opening next week. You? What were you taking photos of?"

"Nothing important," he replied. Noting the yawn that escaped her mouth, he added, "You should go rest."

She nodded. "Yes. Good night then."

"Good night, Seri."